• Journal of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.60 no.1
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• pp.34-38
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• 2016

In this paper, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized using the sonochemical method, where equimolar amounts of zinc acetate dehydrate and sodium hydroxide were separately dissolved in deionized water, and then mixed for 30 min under magnetic stirring. The resultant white gel was sonicated for 60, 120, 180, 240, and 360 min with magnetic stirring. The obtained precipitates were centrifuged, repeatedly washed with ethanol to remove ionic impurities, and dried at 50 ℃ for 24 h. The formation of pure NPs was confirmed by X-ray diffraction, and their crystallinity and crystal phases were analyzed as well. Structural investigation was carried out by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The photocatalysis behavior of the ZnO NPs was investigated in a dark room under UV irradiation, using Rhodamine B. Spherical, rod, and flower-like ZnO NPs could be obtained by adjusting the sonication time, as observed by FE-SEM. The flower-like ZnO NPs exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.710-715
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• 2018

In this study, $ZnFe_2O_4@SnO_2@TiO_2$ core-shell nanoparticles (NPs), a photocatalytic material with magnetic properties, were synthesized through a three-step process. Structural properties were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. It was confirmed that $ZnFe_2O_4$ of the spinel, $SnO_2$ of the tetragonal and $TiO_2$ of the anatase structure were synthesized. The magnetic properties of synthesized materials were studied by a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The saturation magnetization value of $ZnFe_2O_4$, a core material, was confirmed at 33.084 emu/g. As a result of the formation of $SnO_2$ and $TiO_2$ layers, the magnetism due to the increase in thickness was reduced by 33% and 40%, respectively, but sufficient magnetic properties were reserved. The photocatalytic efficiency of synthesized materials was measured using methylene blue (MB). The efficiency of the core material was about 4.2%, and as a result of the formation of $SnO_2$ and $TiO_2$ shell, it increased to 73% and 96%, respectively while maintaining a high photocatalytic efficiency. In addition, the antibacterial activity was validated via the inhibition zone by using E. Coli and S. Aureus. The formation of shells resulted in a wider inhibition zone, which is in good agreement with photocatalytic efficiency measurements.